Fastening system for use with a structural member

ABSTRACT

A fastening system provides for connecting structural members with blind fasteners. The fasteners are movably positionable along an elongated opening of a chamber, such as a channel, anchored with the structural members. A structural member may have multiple chambers. The fasteners are constructed with a holding portion of elongated members. The elongated members are movable for insertion into the chamber and for engaging the opposed margins of the channel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S.application Ser. No. 10/696,332, filed Oct. 29, 2003, which is acontinuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/418,448,filed Apr. 17, 2003, each of which is incorporated by reference hereinfor all purposes.

STATEMENTS REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to fastening systems andstructural members and, in particular, to fastening systems including ablind fastener.

2. Description of the Related Art

The general concept of fastening is the fixing or bringing together oftwo distinct items or devices with a fastener. In the positioning of anelement with a structural member, such as a wall, ceiling, floor,substrate or other supporting structure, one particular type offastener, generally known as a blind fastener, allows positioning of theelement without access to one side of the structural member. The blindfastener accomplishes this fastening by allowing a holding portion and arod (e.g., a stud, bolt, or the like) to be inserted through an aperturein the structural member, and then resists removal of the holdingportion through the aperture. There have been fasteners known in thepast that are moved through an aperture in a structural member duringinsertion and, thereafter, resist removal of the fastener.

One type of blind fastener is what is known as a toggle bolt. Thegeneral concept of a toggle bolt is a bolt with a nut having pivotallyattached elongated members or wings. The wings of the toggle boltretract during passage through the aperture and, thereafter, spring openor expand to resist removal of the bolt back through the aperture.Examples of toggle bolts include U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,024,871; 4,793,755;4,997,327; 5,209,621; 5,224, 807; and 6,203,260. Three characteristicsof the toggle bolt are (1) each wing's bearing line area or contact withthe blind side of the structural member, (2) the plurality of componentsfor “spring” pivoting action of each wing, and (3) the sizing of theaperture, having an area larger than the cross-sectional area of thebolt, to allow insertion of the wings in their retracted position.

Another type of blind fastener is what is known as a “molly bolt,” alsoknown as a “hollow wall anchor.” The general concept of a molly bolt isa bolt connected to a body having a pair of elongated members or wingsand two housings. The housings are initially spaced apart from oneanother with the ends of each wing being in contact with one of thehousings. During insertion of the molly bolt, the wings are retractedtowards the bolt. Then, after insertion, as the housings are movedcloser to each other, the wings extend outwardly. The general operationof the molly bolt is discussed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,888,156; 4,152,968;4,307,598; and 5,509,765. While molly bolts need not have a spring toextend the wings outwardly, two characteristics of the molly bolt designare (1) precision insertion of the body to ensure proper deformation ofthe wings for the desired structural support, and (2) precisionthreading and deforming of the wings to, once again, allow the desiredstructural support.

Other types of blind fasteners include those proposed in U.S. Pat. No.4,086,840, issued to Kurlander, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,944,466, issued toRudnicki, et al., along with rivets. The '840 Kurlander patent proposesa fastener having a nut integral with an elastomeric conical memberadapted to deform or collapse radially and longitudinally whencompressed. Upon insertion of the fastener through an aperture in astructural member, the elastomeric conical collapses radially inwardly.After insertion, the bolt is threaded with the integral nut and theelastomeric conical member collapses in a longitudinal direction againstthe structural member.

The '466 Rudnicki patent, concerned with loading by an anchoringassembly or holding portion of fastener on the structural member,proposes that the radial distance between the points of support providedby an anchoring assembly and the bolt are too short for large loads.(Col. 1, lns. 45-58). The '466 Rudnicki patent proposes a fastenerassembly to extend the radial distance between the points of supportprovided by the anchoring assembly and the bolt as a solution to thisloading concern. (Col. 4, lns. 16-26). The proposed fastener assemblyincludes a face plate, an anchoring assembly, and a positioner. The faceplate is positioned on a surface of the structural member. The anchoringassembly includes a base portion and a support structure. Upon insertionof the anchoring assembly through an aperture in the structural member,the support structure extends outwardly from the base portion to threeor more radially equidistant regions isolated from the peripheral edgeof the aperture in the structural member.

It would be desirable to provide a simple, yet effective, repositionablefastening system that provides desirable flexibility and structuralsupport to fasten an element to a structural member. Additionally, itwould be desirable to provide a fastener that optimizes the bearing areato distribute the loading by the holding portion on the fasteningsystem.

It would also be desirable to provide a fastener that could use anoff-the-shelf nut in combination with any desired length, style and/orsize of threaded rod with a holding portion of limited components toreduce manufacturing and inventory costs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment of the invention, a fastening system adaptedfor use with a structural member having a chamber with an elongatedopening is provided. The fastening system includes opposed marginsattached with a structural member and a fastener configured to berestrained by the opposed margins. The fastener can be positioned in avariety of locations within the chamber. The fastener can also beselectively repositioned in various positions along the opening.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a structural memberadapted for use with a fastener is provided. The structural memberincludes a mass of material having one or more chambers, each havingopposed margins. Each chamber includes an elongated opening on a firstside defined by the opposed margins. The elongated opening is sized toreceive fasteners configured to be restrained by the opposed margins.The elongated opening accepts repositioning of fasteners at severallocations within the chamber.

According to still another embodiment of the invention, a holdingportion of a fastener for fastening an element to a structural member ina chamber with an elongated opening is provided. The holding portionincludes a plurality of elongated members and a compression memberpositioned with the elongated members. The elongated members aremoveable between an insertion position and a predetermined extendedposition, and each includes a lip. The compression member resists amovement from the predetermined extended position to the insertionposition. The elongated members move to the predetermined extendedposition upon positioning the compression member about the plurality ofelongated members. When the plurality of elongated members are assembledwith the compression member, the holding portion includes a restrictionrecess, configured to receive the nut and to restrict a rotation of thenut with a wall substantially parallel to a side of the nut when theholding portion is in the predetermined extended position. When theelongated members are assembled with the compression member, the holdingportion also includes a throughway sized to receive a rod, which isconfigured to engage the nut. When the elongated members are assembledwith the compression member in the predetermined extended position, thelips of at least two elongated members are received in the elongatedopening.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a method formaking a structural member is provided. The method includes providing aform and positioning opposed margins within the form so that the opposedmargins define an elongated opening. A non-solid version of a structuralmaterial is provided into the form after blocking the elongated opening.

According to still yet another embodiment of the invention, a method forfastening an element to a structural member is provided. This methodincludes positioning opposed margins with the structural member toprovide an elongated opening and positioning a holding portion of afastener and a portion of a rod of a fastener in a chamber of thestructural member. The fastener includes a plurality of elongatedmembers. This method further includes engaging at least one of theelongated members with each margin. This method also includes supportingthe element with the rod extending from the structural member when theelongated members are in the extended position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the present invention can be obtained when thefollowing detailed description of the disclosed embodiments isconsidered in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is one embodiment of an internally threaded holding portion of afastener usable with various embodiments of the present invention, shownin a perspective view;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the holding portion ofthe fastener taken across line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an end view of the embodiment of the holding portion of thefastener shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of the embodiment of the holding portion ofthe fastener, shown in FIG. 1, in the insertion position while beinginserted through an aperture in a structural member using a threadedrod;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of the embodiment of the holding portion ofthe fastener, similar to FIG. 4, in the extended position afterinsertion through the aperture;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of the embodiment of the extended holdingportion of the fastener, similar to FIG. 5, in the engaged or bearingposition to position the element, shown in the phantom view, using awasher and nut threadably received on the threaded rod;

FIG. 7 is another embodiment of an internally threaded holding portionof a fastener, shown in a cross-sectional elevation view;

FIG. 8 is an end view of the embodiment of the holding portion of thefastener shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an illustration of the embodiment of the holding portion ofthe fastener of FIG. 7, after insertion through an aperture in astructural member, using a threaded bolt along with a tapered sleeve anda spacer of predetermined length to move the holding portion to theextended position upon tightening the bolt head of the bolt with theholding portion;

FIG. 10 is an illustration of the embodiment of the holding portion ofthe fastener, similar to FIG. 9, in the extended position and engaged orbearing position after the holding portion is threaded upon the bolt;

FIG. 11 is yet another embodiment of the holding portion of a fastenerin a predetermined extended position, shown in a cross-sectional viewwith a part of the holding portion shown in phantom view, and the boltshown in elevational view;

FIG. 12 is an illustration of the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, with theholding portion shown in the insertion position while being insertedthrough an aperture in a structural member;

FIG. 13 is an illustration of the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, with theholding portion shown in the predetermined extended and engaged orbearing position and element shown in phantom view;

FIG. 14 is an end view of the embodiment of the fastener taken alongline 14-14 of FIG. 13 with the holding portion shown in solid lines whenin the predetermined extended position and shown in phantom view when inthe insertion position;

FIG. 15 is an embodiment of the holding portion of a fastener usablewith various embodiments of the invention, shown in a cross-sectionalview, having a recess to receive a nut and with the holding portionshown in a predetermined extended position;

FIG. 16 is an embodiment of the fastener taken along line 16-16 of FIG.15;

FIG. 17 is an embodiment of the fastener taken along line 17-17 of FIG.15;

FIG. 18 is an embodiment of the holding portion of the fastener, asshown in FIG. 15, in the insertion position while being inserted throughan aperture in a structural member using a threaded bolt;

FIG. 19 is an embodiment of the holding portion of the fastener, asshown in FIG. 15, in the predetermined extended position and in theengaged or bearing position after the holding portion is threaded withthe bolt;

FIG. 20 shows some exemplary threaded rods for use with the presentinvention;

FIG. 21 is an elevational view of the holding portion of the fastener ofFIG. 15 in the insertion position, similar to FIG. 18, to betterillustrate the compression member positioned with the housing of theholding portion;

FIG. 22 is an elevational view of the holding portion of the fastener ofFIG. 15 with the holding portion in the predetermined extended position;

FIG. 23 is a view of the holding portion taken along line 23-23 of FIG.22;

FIG. 24A is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a channelanchored in a mass of structural material to form a chamber with a layerof material overlying the channel at the opening;

FIG. 24B is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a channel ina mass of structural material;

FIG. 24C is a view of an embodiment of a fastener usable with variousembodiments of the invention, shown in a cross-sectional view in thechannel of FIG. 24A, with the holding portion in a predeterminedextended position inside the chamber and an element shown in phantomview;

FIG. 25 is a view of the channel and the holding portion taken alongline 25-25 of FIG. 24C;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the holding portion taken alongline 26-26 of FIG. 24C;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the holding portion taken alongline 27-27 of FIG. 24C;

FIG. 28 is an elevational view of the fastener of FIG. 24C in theextended position;

FIG. 29 is an elevational view of the fastener of FIG. 24C in theinsertion position entering the opposed margins, shown in phantom view;

FIG. 30 is a cutaway view taken along line 30-30 of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is an elevational view of a wall and a door, with a cutaway viewof a stairwell showing various channels each with one or more fasteners;

FIG. 32 is an elevational view of a wall, a floor, and an uprightsupport showing various channels, each with one or more fasteners;

FIG. 33 is an elevational view of a ceiling with hanging equipment orelements and a wall and a wall-to-wall connection showing variouschannels and configurations, including a ceiling channel connected toreinforcing elements, each channel having one or more fasteners;

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the wall-to-wall connection, takenalong line 34-34 of FIG. 33; and

FIG. 35 is a top view of a form for making a structural member accordingto embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 through 6, generally show a first embodiment of the invention.In FIG. 1, a holding portion 20 includes a housing 30 and a plurality ofelongated members or wings 40. In this embodiment, each of the fourequidistance elongated members 40 is bent radially outwardly into anextended position. A resilience in the material of the elongated members40 tends to keep elongated members 40 in this extended position—forexample, resisting a radial inwardly compression. Material for theelongated members 40 can include, but is not limited to, various formsof metal (e.g., aluminum), plastics, and the like. At the end of eachplurality of elongated members 40 are end areas 48, which together makeup an end surface area 44. The end surface area 44 is arranged andconfigured to serve as a bearing surface, which will be described indetail with reference to FIG. 6 below.

Turning now to FIG. 2, the housing 30 of the holding portion 20 includesan outside diameter 34, an inside diameter 36, and a length ofengagement 32. The length of engagement 32 in this embodiment is thelength of the housing 30 that is adapted for engaging or coupling with arod 50 (shown in FIG. 4). As can be seen in FIG. 2, the housing 30 isinternally threaded with internally threaded roots 33 and internallythreaded crests 35. As such, the engagement with the rod 50 in thisembodiment will be a threaded coupling. While housing 30 is internallythreaded in this embodiment, it is contemplated that housing 30 in otherembodiments may be adapted to couple with the rod 50 in other manners,for example, via fixed attachments, clamped attachment, rivets and thelike. As should become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, thelength of engagement 32 can be a variety of different lengths dependingon factors including, but not limited to, the material used in thehousing 30, the material used in the rod 50, the coupling technique, andintended load to be supported by the holding portion 20. The length ofengagement 32 is preferably greater than one-third of a length of aperimeter of the cross-sectional area of the rod 50. In this embodiment,the perimeter is the diameter of the rod 50 multiplied by the geometricconstant, pi (roughly 3.14). Therefore, the length of engagement 32 inthis embodiment is preferably equal to or greater than the diameter ofthe rod 50 (greater than one-third of a length of a perimeter of thecross-sectional area of the rod 50). As will become apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art, the length of the perimeter of thecross-sectional area can change with different shapes for thecross-sectional area of the rod 50—for example, ovals, triangles,squares, rectangles, and the like. It is to be expressly understood thatthe length of engagement 32 in other embodiments can be less thanone-third of a length of a perimeter of the cross-sectional area of therod 50. In such embodiments, the coupling technique and material used inthe holding portion 20 and/or rod 50 can define the length. Furtherdiscussion of the length of engagement 32 follows below with referenceto FIG. 6.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, the outside diameter 34 defines across-sectional area for housing 30, while the inside diameter 36defines a cross-sectional area corresponding to the rod 50. As both therod 50 (shown in FIG. 4) and housing 30 are threaded in this embodiment,the inside diameter 36 corresponds to the “major diameter” of theinternally threaded portion of the housing 30 (e.g., root to root in theinternally threaded housing 30 or crest to crest in the externallythreaded rod 50).

Moving to FIG. 3, as referenced above, the inside diameter 36 of theholding portion 20 in this embodiment corresponds to the internallythreaded root to root of the internally threaded portion of the housing30. A minor diameter 38 is seen extending from crest to crest of theinternally threaded crest 35 of the housing 30.

With general reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the circular area defined bythe outside diameter 34 in this embodiment is substantially equivalentto the inside diameter 36 plus the end areas 48 of the elongated members40. In other words, as best shown in FIG. 1, the end surface area 44(total of end areas 48) in this embodiment is substantially an annulusarea between the circular area defined by the outside diameter 34 andthe inside diameter 36—each of the end areas 48 shaped as an annulararc. While the annular arcs of the shaped end areas 48 in thisembodiment are shown with small gaps between them, it is contemplatedthat in other embodiments even smaller gaps will exist.

With reference to FIGS. 2-4, an illustration of the differences incross-sectional areas is shown. When the aperture 65 in the structuralmember 60 is sized a cross-sectional area the same size as the housing30 (just allowing the housing 30 to pass through the aperture 65), theend surface area 44 of the end areas 48 of the elongated members 40 willbe substantially the same area as the difference between thecross-sectional area of the aperture 65 and the cross-sectional area ofthe rod 50 (shown in FIG. 4). With this configuration, a maximum endsurface area 44 can be extended through the aperture 65 (FIG. 4),allowing a reduced bearing force per surface area—for example, a largerarea to distribute a load. Note that the aperture 65 can be a portion ofa larger opening, as discussed below with respect to FIGS. 24A-35, soany reference to the aperture 65 also refers to the elongated opening401.

While the end surface area 44 described in the above embodiment is thedifference between the area defined by the outside diameter 34 and thearea defined by the inside diameter 36, it is contemplated that in morecomplex embodiments the end surface area 44 of end areas 48 of theplurality of elongated members 40 can exceed the area defined by theoutside diameter 34 of the housing 30. For example, the holding portion20 could be a frustum of a cone with a cylindrical bore extending thelongitudinal distance of the holding portion 20—for example,corresponding to the diameter of the rod 50. In such an embodiment, theoutside diameter 34 could start at the apex of the frustum of the coneand enlarge towards the base. The end surface area 44 of the end areas48 of the elongated members 40 can be the difference between the areadefined by the diameter of the base of the frustum of the cone and theinternal diameter of the cylindrical bore extending to the base. Withthis “frustum of a cone” embodiment, the end surface area 44, similar tothat described with reference to the above embodiment, can be thedifference between the cross-sectional area of the aperture 65 and thecross-sectional area of the rod 50.

With reference to FIG. 4, the holding portion 20 is shown in aninsertion position, being pushed through the aperture 65 in thestructural member 60. The rod 50 is shown threaded to the housing 30along a length of engagement 32 of the housing 30 of the holding portion20. The rod 50, while shown in this embodiment as a threaded stud, inother embodiments can include a bolt, a smooth stud, a rivet and thelike. And, with each of the different types of rods 50 used, the holdingportion 20 can be adapted for an appropriate coupling.

The insertion of the holding portion 20 through the aperture 65 of thestructural member 60 will radially urge or compress the plurality ofelongated members 40 inwardly, against the above-referenced resilienceto stay in an outwardly extended position-such that the elongatedmembers 40 almost lay flush with the rod 50. Once again, as discussedabove, in this embodiment the cross-sectional area of the insidediameter 36 of the housing 30 and the end surface area 44 of theplurality of elongated members 40 together are substantially the same asthe cross-sectional area, defined by the outside diameter 34 of thehousing 30. With this configuration, the bearing area of the end surfacearea 44 of the end areas 48 of the plurality of elongated members 40 canbe substantially the difference between a cross-sectional area of theaperture 65 and the rod 50, where the cross-sectional area defined bythe outside diameter 34 is the same as the cross-sectional area of theaperture 65—just allowing the holding portion 20 to pass therethrough.

It should be expressly understood that while the holding portion 20 hasbeen shown with a circular cross-sectional area in this embodiment, inother embodiments the cross-sectional area can take on different shapese.g., squares, rectangles, triangles, etc., which can ultimately dependon the rod 50 being used and the aperture 65 through which the holdingportion 20 will be inserted.

FIG. 5 shows the holding portion 20 moving back to a memory positionafter insertion through the aperture 65. The memory position in thisembodiment is the extended position caused by the resilience in thematerial of the holding portion 20 tending to urge the plurality ofelongated members 40 into the extended position.

FIG. 6 shows the holding portion 20 in a bearing position with thesurface area 62 of the structural member 60. In bringing the holdingportion 20 into contact with the blind surface area 62 from the positionshown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, the elongated members 40 andhousing 30 can maintain a positional relationship with the rod 50—thatis, the rod 50 need not be further threaded through the housing 30 ofthe holding portion 20. Rather, the holding portion 20 coupled to therod 50 can be brought into the bearing position by pulling the rod 50until the end surface area 44 of the end areas 48 of the elongatedmembers 40 contacts the blind surface area 62 of the structural member60. An element 70 can be mounted to the rod 50; and, then by maintainingtension of the rod 50, a washer 80 and nut 90 can be threaded on the rod50 to bring the element 70 into contact with an exposed surface area 64of the structural member 60. The friction force of the end surface area44 of the end areas 48 with the blind surface area 62 prevents rotationof the holding portion 20. With this maintenance of positionalrelationship, no further access is needed on the blind side of thestructural member 60. For example, the rod 50 in this embodiment neednot be further threaded through the housing 30 to bring the holdingportion 20 into a bearing position with the blind surface area 62.Additionally, the rod 50 in this embodiment need not be further threadedthrough the housing 30 to bring the element 70 into contact with theexposed surface area 64 of the structural member 60. As such, theholding portion 20 in this embodiment is particularly helpful whenlimited access or space is available on the blind side of the structuralmember 60. While this positional relationship has been described withreference to this embodiment, it is to be expressly understood thatfurther threading through the housing 30 of the holding portion 20 canoccur, if desired, as will be described with reference to otherembodiments below.

The holding portion 20 through many of the features described herein isconfigured to resist removal of the rod 50. In this resistance of theremoval of the rod 50, forces are transmitted from the rod 50 throughthe length of engagement 32 to the elongated members 40, forcing theelongated members 40 into a bearing position with a blind surface area62 of the structural member 60. Thus, in the structural design of theholding portion 20, consideration is given to the following: (1) thelength of engagement 32 in coupling the rod 50 to the housing 30 towithstand a loss of such coupling, (2) the elongated members 40 towithstand buckling, and (3) the bearing surface area between the endsurface area 44 of the end areas 48 and the blind surface area 62 towithstand crushing (e.g., a point load failure from too much force perunit area) of the structural member 60. In the embodiment describedherein, the length of engagement 32 is threaded at a length for apredetermined design load. As such, a specified number of threads and/orspecified length of engagement 32 should be used to ensure that thehousing 30 does not disengage with the rod 50 when a pull force isapplied to the rod 50. For example, with reference to the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-6, stripping (a disengagement) can occur either in the internalthreads of the housing 30 or in the external threads of the rod 50. Assuch, the length of engagement 32 in this embodiment has a length largeenough to resist this stripping. Preferably, as referenced above, thelength of engagement 32 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6 is greater thanthe diameter of the rod 50. As will become apparent to one of ordinaryskill in the art, the length of engagement 32 can increase to accountfor a difference of materials between the housing 30 and the rod 50. Forexample, one of the threaded portions (either the housing 30 or the rod50) could have a material such as plastic while the other threadedportion (either the housing 30 or the rod 50) could have a material suchas steel, the plastic generally deforming at a lower load than thesteel. The increase in the length of engagement 32 distributes a designload along the length of engagement 32 resisting the stripping of eitherthe internal threads for the housing 30 or the external threads for therod 50—regardless of whether the weaker material (the one which deformsfirst) is in the housing 30 or the rod 50.

To resist buckling in the elongated members 40, several buckling factorsshould be considered, including the length of the elongated members 40.Generally, for a given material, as the length in the elongated members40 increase, so should the cross-sectional area of that elongated member40 to adequately prevent buckling. Additionally, in the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-6, a curvature in the elongated members 40 helps resistbuckling. As can be seen in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, each of theelongated members 40 has a curvature that is arced. The structuralbenefits of such an arced configuration in resistance to buckling shouldbecome apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, byillustration, a piece of paper on a desk sat on its end can resist morecompressive strength by being curved into an arc rather than by simplybeing set planarly straight up. While an arced curvature is shown in theembodiment of FIGS. 1-6 as a preferred curvature, it is contemplatedthat other forms of curvature can be used—for example, different anglesof bending including bending at right angles and corrugated designs.

To resist a crushing of the structural member 60, the end surface area44 of the end areas 48 of the elongated members 40 is maximized (whilenot sacrificing simplicity of design) to distribute the load over theblind surface area 62 of the structural member 60. Preferably, this endsurface area 44 will be the difference between a cross-sectional area ofthe aperture 65 and the cross-area of the rod 50 to be inserted in theaperture 65. In the bearing contact of the end surface area 44 of theend areas 48 of the elongated members 40, this embodiment will alwayshave at least three of the end areas 48 of the elongated members 40 incontact with the blind surface area 62. Additionally, it is contemplatedthat end areas 48 can be angled, similar to the end areas 48B, describedin detail below with reference to FIGS. 11-14 below.

As an illustrative use of the embodiment described with reference toFIGS. 1-6, a rod 50 is inserted through an aperture 65 in a structuralmember 60 to fasten an element 70 to the structural member 60. The rod50 can be any of the commercially available rods 50 described,including, but not limited to, bolts, threaded studs, smooth studs,rivets and the like. The structural member 60 can be any number ofstructures—for example, a wall, a ceiling, a floor, a door, a circuitboard, plastic pieces, boards, substrates, etc. Likewise, the element 70can be any number of items, including another structural member 60.Generally, the structural member 60 and element 70 are two distinct“things,” which are desired to be coupled to one another-preferably asshown in several embodiments of the invention, the element 70 beingcoupled or fastened to the structural member 60. The desiredconfiguration and size of the rod 50 and holding portion 20 can bedefined by the intended use. In this embodiment, the rod 50 is initiallycoupled to the housing 30 (the coupling contact being at the length ofengagement 32) of the holding portion 20. The coupling of the rod 50 tothe housing 30 can take on one of many coupling techniques, generallydescribed herein, which should be apparent to one of ordinary skill inthe art. The coupling technique in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6 is athreaded coupling. At rest, the elongated members 40 are urged outwardlyin an extended position by the resilience in the material. Aftercoupling the rod 50 to the holding portion 20, the rod 50 and holdingportion 20 are inserted into the aperture 65, whereupon the aperture 65radially compresses the outwardly urged elongated members 40 inwardlyinto an insertion position. After insertion through the aperture 65, theelongated members 40 return to their memory position-their outwardlyurged extended position. An element 70 can then be received on the endof the rod 50 adjacent to an exposed surface area 64 of the structuralmember 60, whereupon the rod 50 is pulled partially back through theaperture 65 allowing the end surface area 44 of the end areas 48 to comeinto a bearing position with the blind surface area 62 of the structuralmember 60. The friction force between the end surface area 44 of the endareas 48 and the blind surface area 62 of the structural member 60resists rotation of the holding portion 20. Therefore, the rod 50maintains a positional relationship with the holding portion 20. Awasher 80 and nut 90 are then threaded on the rod 50 engaging theelement 70 with the exposed surface area 64 of the structural member 60.The holding portion 20 resists removal of the rod 50 through a length ofengagement 32 in the housing 30 of the holding portion to the elongatedmembers 40, which distribute their load over the end surface area 44 ofthe end areas 48 on the blind surface area 62—reducing the bearing forceper area on the blind surface area 62 of the structural member 60.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 7-10, the holding portion 20A includes anannular notch 100, which helps define movement of the four equidistantelongated members 40A between an insertion position and an extendedposition. As can be seen in FIG. 7, the at rest position of theelongated members 40 is an insertion position.

With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, at the end of each of the elongatedmembers 40A is a tapered interior end 110 which, as will be describedbelow, facilitates the urging of the elongated members 40 to an extendedposition.

Turning now to FIG. 9, the holding portion 20A, coupled to a rod 50A, isin an insertion position after being pushed through the aperture 65 ofthe structural member 60. In this embodiment, the rod 50A is shown as abolt with a bolt head 52A. Thus, to urge the elongated members 40A to anextended position (as seen in FIG. 10), a tapered sleeve 120 and, ifneeded, a spacer 130 can be inserted after the insertion of the holdingportion 20A. The tapered sleeve 120 can take on a variety of shapes,depending on the configuration and design of the elongated members 40A.For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the tapered sleeve 120 has acircular cross-sectional area. To facilitate the alignment of thistapered sleeve 120, each of the elongated members 40A, as referencedabove, includes a tapered interior end 110, which is adapted to receivethe tapered sleeve 120. In addition to urging the elongated members 40Ainto an extended position, the tapered sleeve 120 centers the rod 50Awithin the aperture 65. In some embodiments, the thickness of thestructural member 60 may not be known. As such, the spacer 130 can beinserted after the tapered sleeve 120, facilitating the tapered sleeve120 in urging the elongated members 40A to their extended position andcentering the rod 50A in the aperture 65. The spacer, similar to thetapered sleeve 120, can take on a variety of shapes. Preferably, thespacer 130 has a circular cross-sectional area with at least one openingto allow the spacer 130 to be placed over and around the rod 50A.

FIG. 10 shows the holding portion 20A in an extended position and abearing position with the blind surface area 62 of the structural member60. This bearing contact of the end surface area 44A of the end areas48A with a blind surface area 62 of the structural member 60 is similarto that described with reference to FIG. 6. It is contemplated thatspacer(s) 130 of a plurality of lengths would be provided for use withthe holding portion 20A.

As an illustrative use of the embodiment described with reference toFIGS. 7-10, a rod 50A is inserted through the aperture 65 in astructural member 60 to fasten an element 70 to the structural member60. Similar to the illustrative use, described with reference to FIGS.1-6 above, the element 70 and structural member 60 can be any number of“things.” In this embodiment, the rod 50A (such as a bolt) can beinserted through the washer 80, the element 70, the tapered sleeve 120,and, if needed, spacer(s) 130. Then, the rod 50A can be threaded alongthe length of engagement 32A of the housing 30A of the holding portion20A, whereupon the holding portion 20A and a portion of the rod 50A areinserted through the aperture 65 in the structural member 60. Thetapered sleeve 120, and, if needed, spacer(s) 130, can then be moveddown the rod 50A and further into the aperture 65, centering the rod 50Aand urging the elongated members 40A to an extended position. Asdiscussed, if needed, one or more spacers 130 can be inserted after thetapered sleeve 120 by inserting the spacer 130 over and around the rod50A in contact with the tapered sleeve 120. The rod 50A can then bepartially be pulled back through the aperture 65 bringing the endsurface area 44A of the elongated members 40A into the bearing positionwith the blind surface area 62 of the structural member 60. Frictionforces of the end surface area 44A of the end areas 48A with the blindsurface area 62 and friction forces with the tapered sleeve 120 helpsresist rotation of the holding portion 20A. To bring the element 70 intocontact with an exposed surface area 64 of the structural member 60, therod 50A can be further rotated through the housing 30A of the holdingportion 20A. To increase resistance between the holding portion 20A andthe rod 50A, tension can be maintained on the rod 50A while threading toincrease the friction force between end surface area 44A of the endareas 48A and the blind surface area 62 of the structural member 60.Additionally, the tapered sleeve 120 can be designed of a high frictionmaterial, such that friction is created both between the tapered sleeve120 and the aperture 65 and the tapered sleeve 120 and the elongatedmembers 40A. As will now be apparent to one of ordinary skill in theart, the threaded rod 50 of FIGS. 1-6 can be interchanged with the boltdescribed with reference to FIGS. 7-10.

With reference to FIGS. 11-14, another embodiment of the invention isshown. In this embodiment, as generally shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a rod50B has a holding portion 20B slidingly coupled thereto. The rod 50B inthis embodiment has a shoulder 170, a reduced diameter neck 150, and ahead 140. The holding portion 20B in this embodiment includes twoelongated members 40B, a compression member 200, and a housing 30B,which moves slidingly with respect to the neck 150 of the rod 50B. Thetwo elongated members 40B are semicircular halves, which will bedescribed in more detail with reference to FIG. 14 below. The housing30B includes a first shoulder 160 and a second shoulder 180. Thecompression member 200 is positioned and designed to create a radiallycompressive force on an end of the holding portion 20B, adjacent to thesecond shoulder 180. When the holding portion 20B is in a predeterminedextended position, as shown in FIG. 11, the two elongated members 40 aremoved outwardly to the predetermined extended position until the housingsurface or shoulders 41 engage the neck 150 and the housing 30B slidestowards the head 140 with the second shoulder 180 preferably matingflush therewith. Upon insertion of holding portion 20B and rod SOB intoan aperture 65, the two elongated members 40B are compressed radiallyinwardly into an insertion position, expanding the compression member200. The housing 30B slides towards the shoulder 170 of the rod 50B,with the first shoulder 160 preferably mating flush therewith.

With reference to FIGS. 11-14, the ends of each of the elongated members40B include lips 190, which have been configured to center the holdingportion 20B (and hence, the rod 50B) in a central location within theaperture 65. The lips 190 in this embodiment contact an annular surfacearea 67 (best seen in FIG. 13) of the aperture 65. In FIG. 14, the lips190 are shown contacting the annular surface area 67 (shown in phantom)at an upper and lower part of the annular surface area 67. To helpensure that the lips 190 comes in contact with the annular surface area67, a tension wire 210 can be utilized. The tension wire 210 in thisembodiment is put through a loop (best seen in FIGS. 12 and 14) inside awrench flat 220 at the end of the rod 50. The loop in the wrench flat220 is preferably smaller than the diameter of the rod 50B; and, whenthe rod 50 is threaded as shown, preferably smaller than a minordiameter 38 (for example, seen in FIG. 3). As seen in FIG. 12, as therod 50B and holding portion 20B are inserted through the aperture 65 inthe direction, indicated by arrow 500, the tension wire 210 is pulled toensure that the elongated members 40B are not inadvertently pushedthrough the aperture 65. As soon as tips 46B of the elongated members40B clear the annular surface area 67 of the aperture 65, thecompression member 200 automatically urges the lips 190 for contact withthe annular surface area 67 of the aperture 65.

With reference to FIGS. 12 and 14, the end areas 48B of the twoelongated members 40B can be seen. In FIG. 14, the end areas 48B extendjust beyond the circumference 69 (shown in phantom) of thecross-sectional area of the aperture 65. The end areas 48B in thisembodiment have an angled configuration which allows full bearingcontact with the blind surface area 62.

Turning once again to FIG. 13, the tension wire 210 can provide theforce necessary to establish friction force between the end areas 48Band blind surface area 62 of the structural member 60—thus, allowing thenut 90 to be threaded on the rod 50B, while the holding portion 20Bmaintains its positional relationship with the bolt or rod 50B. As anadditional aid, a wrench (not shown) can be clamped on to the wrenchflats 220 helping to maintain the positional relationship of the holdingportion 20B with the bolt or rod 50B by preventing rotation of the rod50B.

As an illustrative example of the use of the embodiment described withreference to FIGS. 11-14, a rod 50B having a housing 30B, coupledthereto is inserted into the aperture 65, whereupon the elongatedmembers 40B are compressed radially inward into an insertion position.Upon clearance of tips 46B of the elongated members 40B of the annularsurface area 67 of the aperture 65, the compression member 200 urges thelips 190 into contact with the annular surface area 67 of the aperture65. Then, an element 70 can be received on the rod 50B, whereupon aforce is applied on the tension wire 210 bringing the end areas 48B intoa bearing position for full bearing contact. While maintaining tensionon the tension wire 210 (to increase the friction force between the endareas 48B and the blind surface area 62), a washer 80 and nut 90 areinserted on the rod 50B to threadably mate the element 70 into contactwith an exposed surface area 64 of the structural member 60.Additionally, a wrench (not shown) can be clamped on to the wrench flats220 helping to maintain the positional relationship of the holdingportion 20B with the bolt or rod 50B. The holding portion 20B resistsremoval of the rod 50B through the head 140, first shoulder 180, andelongated members 40B, which have a full distributed load over the endareas 48B on blind surface area 62—reducing the bearing force per areaof the blind surface area 62 of the structural member 60.

With reference to FIGS. 15-23, another embodiment of the invention isshown. In this embodiment, as generally shown in FIG. 15, a rod 50C hasa nut 300 threadably coupled thereto within a holding portion, generallyindicated 20C. The holding portion 20C in this embodiment includeselongated members 40C, a compression member 200, and a housing 30C. Thenut 300 is positioned within interior formed recess 310 in the housing30C. The two elongated members 40C in this embodiment are each generallysemicircular. The housing 30C forms the exterior of the recess 310. Thecompression member 200, positioned in an annular groove 316 (best seenin FIG. 21), is designed to create a radially compressive force on theend of the holding portion 20C, adjacent to the housing 30C. The housing30C and elongated members 40C will preferably be integral and made fromzinc, aluminum, brass, steel, or stainless steel. The compression member200 will preferably be continuous and made from neoprene, steel, orspring wire. As will be explained in detail below, when the holdingportion 20C is in the extended position, as shown in FIG. 15, or in theinsertion position, as shown in FIG. 18, the recess 310 resists rotationof the nut 300. The angle of the extension of the elongated members 40Cis preferably predetermined. As way of an example, in FIG. 15, thepredetermined angle of the elongated members 40C in the extendedposition is approximately 30°. In FIG. 18, the predetermined angle ofthe elongated members 40C in the insertion position is approximately 4°or less. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the actual anglesof the predetermined extended position and the insertion position of theelongated members may be any desired angles where the predeterminedangle in the insertion position is less than the predetermined angle inthe extended position.

With reference to FIGS. 15-19, the end of each of the elongated members40C includes lips 190, which have been configured to center the holdingportion 20C with the aperture 65. One or more of the lips 190 in thisembodiment can come in contact with an annular surface area 67 (bestseen in FIG. 19) of the aperture 65. In FIG. 19, while the lips 190 areshown contacting the annular surface area 67 at an upper and lower partof the annular surface area 67, it may be that only one lip is incontact with the surface area 67. As shown in FIG. 18, the rod 50C andholding portion 20C are inserted through the aperture 65 in thedirection indicated by arrow 600. As soon as tips 46C of the elongatedmembers 40C clear the annular surface area 67 of the aperture 65, thecompression member 200 urges the lips 190 to the predetermined extendedposition. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that because ofhousing shoulders 314, as best seen in FIGS. 15, 17, 18, 21, 22 and 23,the lips 190 can be opened to a predetermined extended position wherethe lips 190 are less than the cross-sectional area of the holdingportion 20C in the insertion position. This approximate cross sectionalarea of the holding portion 20C in the insertion position is shown inFIG. 16. In other words, because the annular surface area 67 of theaperture 65 will be greater than the cross-sectional area of theelongated members 40C in the insertion position, the holding portion 20Callows the lips 190 to be received in the aperture 65 from either sideof the structural member 60.

Turning to FIGS. 15, 16, and 18, the holding portion 20C includesinterior recess 310 having a plurality of angles and sides to correspondto the plurality of angles and sides of the nut 300. As FIGS. 15, 16,and 18 indicate, the nut 300 is blocked from rotation by the interiorsurface defining the recess 310 in the housing 30C. As best shown inFIG. 15, the holding portion 20C threadably engages with a rod 50C viathe length of engagement 32 of the nut 300 within the recess 310. Thoseskilled in the art will now appreciate that the housing 30C resistsrotation of the nut 300 because of the blocking shoulders 312 in therecess 310 relative to the nut 300.

Turning to FIG. 17, showing the cross-sectional view of the holdingportion 20C in the predetermined extended position, similar to FIGS. 15,19, 22 and 23, the end areas 48C of the elongated members 40C can beseen. As discussed above, in the predetermined extended position, theposition of the lips 190 are less than the cross-sectional area of theholding portion 20C in the insertion position. As best shown in FIG. 19,the end areas 48C extend beyond the circumference 69 of thecross-sectional area of the aperture 65. As also best seen in FIG. 19,the end areas 48C in this embodiment have an angled configuration whichallows alignment for full bearing contact with the blind surface area 62of the structural member 60.

With reference to FIG. 18, an element 70 can be mounted to the rod 50C.The rod 50C, having a nut 300 threadably coupled thereto along thelength of engagement 32 of the nut 300 within a holding portion 20C, isinserted along direction of arrow 600 into aperture 65, whereupon theelongated members 40C are compressed radially inward into an insertionposition. Upon clearance of tips 46C of the elongated members 40C of theannular surface area 67 of the aperture 65, the compression member 200urges the lips 190 outwardly to the predetermined extended position. Therod 50C is further threaded to the nut 300, whereupon a tension force isapplied by the rod 50C, bringing the end areas 48C into a contact andbearing position for bearing contact with surface area 62. This, inturn, brings the element 70 into contact with exposed surface area 64 ofthe structural member 60.

The holding portion 20C of this embodiment of the invention (best seenin FIGS. 15-23) has many advantages. First of all, those skilled in theart will appreciate that each of the plurality of elongated members 40Ccould be identical. Thus, savings in manufacturing and inventory costscan be anticipated as a result of being able to use only one form (ormold), or other way of forming, for the integral housing 30C andelongated members 40C for the holding portion 20C. Additionally, becauseof the unique configuration of the holding portion 20C of thisembodiment, an off-the-shelf nut 300 could be assembled with theproperly sized recess 310 of the holding portion 20C. This again resultsin reduction of manufacturing and inventory costs as the nut 300 can bepurchased in quantities when needed for assembly with the holdingportion 20C.

FIG. 20 is an illustration of some exemplary threaded rods for use withan embodiment of the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciatethat, with this embodiment, any type of threaded rod can be used. FIG.20 indicates some typical threaded rods that may be advantageously usedwith this embodiment, including a flat head bolt 50D, an allen head bolt50E, a half round head bolt 50F, a counter sunk head bolt 50G, aphillips head bolt 50H, a longer phillips head bolt 501, and a threadedstud 50J with nut 400. Of course, the nut 400 could be identical to nut300. This again will result in savings in manufacturing and inventorycosts. Additionally, those skilled in the art will now appreciate thatthe holding portion 20C allows the nut 400 to be threaded on the stud50J, while the holding portion 20C maintains its positional relationshipwith the stud 50J and the structured member 60.

FIGS. 21-23 provide side and front views of housing shoulders 314 usedto limit the extension of the lips 190 to a position less than thecross-sectional area of the holding portion 20C in the insertionposition. Further, as best shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, because theaperture 65 will be greater than the cross-sectional area of theelongated members 40C in the insertion position, the holding portion 20Cadvantageously allows the lips 190 to be received from either side ofthe structural member 60. That is, the lips 190 travel in the directionof arrow 600, as shown in FIG. 21, and then when the lips 190 are in theextended position, they travel in the opposite direction from theposition shown in FIG. 22 back into the aperture 65. Those skilled inthe art will now appreciate that the because the lips 190 may bereceived from either side of the structural member 60, one or more endareas 48C may always be brought into a continued and bearing positionwith the blind surface area 62 of the structural member 60. In FIG. 21,the compression member 200 is positioned in the annular groove 316. Withreference to FIG. 22, those skilled in the art will now appreciate thatif the aperture 65 is oversized relative to the holding portion 21C,only one or more of the lips 190 may be in contact with the surface 67when the holding portion 20C is in the extended position.

As used herein, the term “anchored” is defined as being securelypositioned within, on, or being made from the underlying material. Theterm “fastener” is defined as the combination of a holding portion and arod, equivalent to the holding portions and rods discussed herein. Theholding portion can include either an integral length of engagement,such as a threaded portion, or may a separate engaging component, suchas a nut.

With reference to FIGS. 24A-30, various embodiments of the invention areshown in whole or in part. In some embodiments, as generally shown inFIGS. 24A-24C, a cross-section of a channel 410 is shown anchored in amass or volume of structural material 610, so as to form a chamber 408in the structural material 610. The channel 410 may be formed from thesame material as the structural material 610, or the channel 410 can bemade of a different material, as illustrated in FIGS. 24A-25. In theembodiments shown in FIGS. 24A-34 the structural material 610 isconcrete, although other materials, including, but not limited to, foamor metal, are contemplated. The channel 410 is preferably a metal, suchas steel, iron, or aluminum, plastic, or other resilient material.

In FIGS. 24A and 24C, one embodiment of a channel 410 is shown. In thisembodiment, rear corners 412 of the channel 410 are shown extendingoutwardly from the sidewalls 411 of a rear wall 413 of the channel 410.In this embodiment, the sidewalls 411 tend inwards as they extendrearward until an inflection from which they extend outwardly to formthe protrusion of the rear corners 412. In FIG. 24B, another embodimentof a channel 410A is shown. As shown in this embodiment, the rearcorners 412A of the rear wall 413A extend perpendicularly outwardly fromthe substantially straight sidewalls 411A. In other embodiments, therear corners 412A extend at other angles with respect to the rear wall413A.

With reference to FIGS. 24A and 24B, the channel 410 is shown anchoredin the structural material 610. Although FIGS. 24A-24C show channel 410as being embedded within the structure material, it is contemplated thata portion of the channel could extend beyond the surface of thestructural material 610. The channel 410 may also be anchored to anexterior surface of the structural material 610. Alternatively, thechannel 410 can be integral with the structural material 610, havingbeen formed therein. The channel 410 can be of any dimension, includinglength, width, depth, or height. The chamber 408 can be formed in thestructural material 610 without the channel 410.

In the embodiment of FIG. 24A, a front surface 403 of the structuralmaterial 610 is shown being separated from the front side of the channel410 by a depth 404 of the structural material 610. In the embodiment ofFIG. 24B, the front surface 403 of the structural material 610 is shownapproximately flush with the front side of the channel 410. An opening401 is shown in the chamber 408, the channel 410, and the structuralmaterial 610. As the chamber 408 is shown from the side, a length of thechamber 408 is not visible, but may be any length. Channel 410 includesopposed margins 414 that define the opening 401, so that a width 402 ofthe opening 401 is narrower than a width 416 of the chamber 408 formedby the channel 410. As shown, each margin 414 has a width 415. In theembodiments of FIGS. 24A and 24B, the thickness 422 of the channel 410,410A is also shown. This channel thickness 422 can be any thicknessdesired for various applications. Although the channel as shown in FIGS.24A, 24B, or 24C appears to have a uniform thickness 422, it iscontemplated that side walls 411, margins 414 and the rear wall 413 canhave non-uniform thicknesses 422. For example, margins 414 could have athickness that is a multiple of the thickness of the corresponding rearwall 413.

As shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B, inside bearing surfaces 418 of themargins 414 are constructed to bear weight when used to secure elements(e.g., element 70 shown in FIG. 24C) using a fastener with a holdingportion, such as the holding portions 20, 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20Ddisclosed herein in FIGS. 1, 7, 11, 15, and 28, respectively. Thebearing surface 418 meets the surfaces 67D of the opening 401 at corners420. In the embodiment of FIG. 24A, the surface area 67D of the opening401 is larger than shown in other embodiments due to the depth 404 ofthe structural material 610 along the opening 401. The bearing surface418 is an example of the blind surface area 62, and any reference hereinto the blind surface area 62 also refers to the bearing surface 418.

Generally referring to FIGS. 24C-30, an embodiment of a holding portion,generally designated 20D, is shown inserted into the chamber 408 in thechannel 410. As best shown in FIG. 24C, a rod 50C (shown as a bolt) hasa nut 300 threadably coupled thereto within recess 310. The holdingportion 20D includes two elongated members 40D and a compression member200D. Turning now to FIGS. 28-29, the elongated members 40D haverectangular bearing surfaces 48D and tips 46D that allow alignment forfull bearing contact with the inside bearing surfaces 418 of the opposedmargins 414. As best shown in FIG. 24C, the nut 300 is positionedbetween the elongated members 40D within the interior formed recess 310.The compression member 200D, positioned in a groove 316A, best seen inFIGS. 27-29, is designed to create a compressive force on the end of theholding portion 20D, adjacent to the recess 310.

Since holding portion 20D is similar to holding portion 20C, eitherholding portion 20C or 20D can combine with the rod 50C to make afastener so that the end areas 48C or 48D are substantially coplanarwhen the corresponding holding portion 20C or 20D is in the extendedposition, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 24C, respectively. The geometries ofthe end areas 48C, 48D differ based on intended uses. The generallyarcuate end areas 48C are intended to contact a bearing surface 62 afterbeing inserted in the generally rounded aperture 65, while the generallyrectangular end areas 48D are intended to contact a bearing surface 418above and below after being inserted into the elongated opening 401. Theholding portion 20D can also be used with the aperture 65. Note thatcompression members 200C and 200D also have different geometries,generally circular and generally rectangular with a loop and a missingside, respectively. As best shown in FIG. 18, the shoulders 312 of therecess 310 of the holding portion 20C are substantially parallel to thesides of the nut 300 when the holding portion 20C is in the insertionposition. In contrast, as best shown in FIG. 24C, the shoulders 312 ofthe recess 310 of the holding portion 20D are substantially parallel tothe sides of the nut 300 when the holding portion 20C is in the extendedposition.

Referring again to FIGS. 24A-30, each elongated member 40D is preferablyidentical and preferably made from a metal, such as zinc, aluminum,brass, steel, or stainless steel, plastic, or the like. The compressionmember 200D will preferably be unitary and preferably be made fromneoprene, steel, or spring wire. In other embodiments, compressionmember 200D can have other geometries or compositions. As explained indetail herein, when the holding portion 20D is in the extended position,such as shown in FIG. 28, or in the insertion position, such as shown inFIG. 29, the blocking shoulders 312 of the recess 310, best seen in FIG.30, resist rotation of the nut 300. The angle of the elongated membersis preferably predetermined, similar to other holding portion 20embodiments described herein. Those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the actual angles of the predetermined extended position and theinsertion position of the elongated members may be any desired angleswhere the predetermined angle in the insertion position is less than thepredetermined angle in the extended position.

With reference to FIGS. 24C, 25, 28, and 29, the end of each elongatedmember 40D includes lips 190D configured to position the holding portion20D with the elongated opening 401 in the chamber 408. As best shown inFIG. 25, the rectangular bearing end areas 48D, shown in phantom view,contact the opposed margins 414. The bearing end areas 48D sum to formthe end surface area for this embodiment. Referring to FIG. 24C, thechamber 408 is shown substantially filled with the holding portion 20D.In other embodiments, the chamber 408 may be larger.

As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the rod 50C and holding portion 20D areinserted through the elongated opening 401 between the opposed margins414. As soon as tips 46D of the elongated members 40D clear the plane ofthe opening 401 between the margins 414, the compression member 200Durges the lips 190D to the predetermined extended position. Thoseskilled in the art having benefit of this disclosure will appreciatethat because of the housing shoulders 314, as best seen in FIGS. 24C,28, and 29, the lips 190D are limited to a predetermined extendedposition where the lips 190D are within the cross-sectional area of theholding portion 20D in the insertion position. In other words, becausethe spread of the elongated members 40D in the insertion position isless than the width 402 of the opening 401, the holding portion 20Dallows the lips 190D to be received within the opening 401. Referring toFIGS. 24C and 25, in this extended position inside the chamber 408, theend areas 48D contact the inside surface 418 of the opposed margins 414.The lips 190D at least partially fill the opening 401 between the marginedges 420.

Turning now to FIG. 26, an elongated member's knob 450 and correspondingprofile 451 are shown. The wire clip compression member 200D is alsoshown. Having each elongated member 40D identical reduces cost inmanufacturing and inventory. The cutaway of the rod 50C is shown insidethe throughway 452 created by the combined elongated members 40D.

Turning now to FIG. 27, the groove 316A to position the compressionmember 200D of the holding portion 20D is shown. The incline from thetips 46D of the elongated members 40D from the compression member 200Din the groove 316A is also shown.

Turning to FIGS. 28 and 29, the relative positions of the knob 450 andcorresponding profile 451 are shown in phantom view along with thedirection of insertion 600. It will be appreciated by those of skill inthe art having benefit of this disclosure that the embodiments of theholding portion 20D having the knobs 450 and the corresponding profiles451 will resist relative lateral movements between the elongated members40D. As the holding portion 20D is moved to the insertion position, thecompression member 200D expands in the groove 316A, as shown in FIG. 29.When the holding portion 20D is urged to the extended position, thecompression member 200D returns to the shape shown in FIG. 28.

Returning to FIG. 30, a plan view of elongated member 40D shows thehousing shoulders 314 on opposite sides of the throughway 452. While theknob 450 and the profile 451 may be reversed in positions, the knob 450and the profile 451 are configured to mate with a corresponding profile451 and knob 450 on another elongated member 40D. A portion of therecess 310 formed by the blocking shoulders 312 and the lip 190D arealso shown. The shapes of the knobs 450 and the profiles 451 areillustrative only, and the knobs 450 and the profiles 451 may have othergeometries.

FIGS. 31-34 show various embodiments of structural members andcombinations thereof. The structural members include walls 620, 630,640, 650 (also called sidewall 650), ceiling 644, and floors 622, 632,642. Although the illustrated embodiments of the structural memberstypically include flat surfaces, no such limitation should be inferred.One advantage of the channels 410, 410A used in combination withfasteners with holding portions 20D seen in FIGS. 24C-34 is that thechannels 410, 410A provide for location flexibility in the mounting ofvarious elements. The holding portions 20D can be slid along theelongated openings of the channels 410, 410A, or removed and reinsertedin the channels 410, 410A, to secure the elements in a myriad ofpositions along the channels 410, 410A. Removal may include reducing anengagement force of the elongated members 40D of the holding portion 20Dwith the plurality of opposed margins 414. Reinsertion includesincreasing the engagement force of the elongated members 40D of theholding portion 20D after sliding or removal.

Turning now to FIG. 31, a structural member, a wall 620, composed of thestructural material 610, includes a plurality of channels 410 configuredto receive holding portions 20D for securing various elements to thewall 620. A portion of a stairway 512 with steps 512B is shown incutaway view secured to the wall 620 using fasteners with holdingportions 20D through a stairway sidewall 512A. The channels 410 used tosecure the stairway 512 are substantially parallel and offset. Notches512C in the stairway sidewall 512A, for securing the stairway 512, maybe used to adjust the vertical positioning of the stairway 512 by asmall amount, typically less than one inch. Hinges 511 of a door 510 aresecured to the wall 620 using parallel, but not offset, channels 410 byfasteners using holding portions 20D. The stairway 512 and the door 510are secured above floor 622. In other embodiments, the channels 410 maybe vertical or angled instead of horizontal in orientation. Withvertical channels 410 or channels 410 with other orientations, thenotches 512C may be omitted.

As seen in FIG. 32, a wall 630 composed of structural material 610includes a plurality of channels 410A configured to receive fastenerswith holding portions 20D for securing various elements to the wall 630.Fasteners with long rods 50K and holding portions 20D in verticalchannel 410A secure a structural support 508A to the wall 630, whilefasteners with rods 50C and holding portions 20D in horizontal channel410A secure a structural support 508B to a floor 632. The structuralsupports 508 each integrate a channel 410A for receiving holdingportions 20D using an appropriately sized rod 50. A beam 514 (here ashelf) is secured to the structural supports 508A and 508B using anglebrackets 70. The shelf 514 may be repositioned up or down using therepositionability feature of the fasteners with holding portions 20Dsecured in the channel 410A.

Turning to FIG. 33, a ceiling 644, composed of structural material 610,includes a channel 410A configured to receive fasteners with holdingportions 20D for securing one or more elements 505 (here a light) to theceiling 644. The channel 410A in the ceiling 502 is secured byreinforcing elements 503 (here rebar). It is contemplated that thechannels 410A can be securely anchored to the structural material 610using anchors, nuts and bolts, rivets, or other suitable mechanism (e.g.welding, when the structural material 610 is metal or includes a form ofmetal, such as the rebar). The reinforcing elements 503 further securethe structural integrity of the channel 410 in the structural material610 and may advantageously allow for a greater load bearing force to beplaced on the holding portion 20D in the channel 410A. It iscontemplated that weighty elements 505 (e.g., air conditioning units)could be hung from the ceiling 502 using fasteners described herein.

Also in FIG. 33, a wall 640 is secured to the ceiling 644 usingfasteners with angle brackets 70 and holding portions 20D in thechannels 410A in the wall 640 and the ceiling 644. The channels 410A inthe wall 640 are in recesses 520, allowing for cosmetic finishing afterinstallation, covering up the holding portions 20D and the anglebrackets 70. Through the use of a cutaway, the wall 640 is shownconnected to a sidewall 650.

In FIG. 34, the wall 640 is secured to the sidewall 650 using anglebrackets 70 and holding portions 20D in channels 410A. Both the wall 640and the sidewall 650 have recesses 520. The sidewall recess 520 is aninterior recess, while the wall recess 520 is an edge recess, similar tothe recess shown in FIG. 33. The recesses 520 are covered with afinishing layer 525, such as finished plasterboard, to covercosmetically the connection between the wall 640 and the sidewall 650.

Turning to FIG. 35, an embodiment of a form 550 includes form walls551A, 551B, 551C, and 551D for holding a non-solid structural material610, such as wet concrete, until appropriately solidified, dried orcured. The form walls 551 form a shell for the structural member beingproduced. As illustrated, the form 550 outlines a generally rectangularsolid, but other geometries are contemplated. An optional structuralsupport 552 provides a fixed separation distance between form walls 551Band 551D. The upper left channel 410A is positioned to be approximatelyflush with the surface of the resulting structural member, so only acover 561 (such as film, tape, etc.) is needed to cover the opening 401.A cap 560 at the bottom end of the upper left channel 410A keepsnon-solid structural material 610 out of the channel 410A. The leftlower channel 410A is substantially perpendicular to the upper leftchannel 410A, with the chamber 408 visible, similar to FIG. 24B.

The upper right channel 410A of FIG. 35 is positioned to be anchoredbelow the surface of the resultant structural member. A spacer 565maintains the opening 401 in the structural material 610 because theopening will not be flush with the form wall 551B. The cover 561 may notbe necessary when the spacer 565 is present. A cap 560 covers the bottomend of the right upper channel 410A. Similar to the left side, the lowerright channel 410A is shown substantially perpendicular to the upperright channel 410A, with spacer 565 maintaining access to the chamber408 therein when the non-solid structural material 610 is added to theform 550. In some embodiments, the channels 410A are spaced from theedge of the structural member to create the recess 520 shown in FIGS. 33and 34.

As shown in FIG. 35, the channels 410A are connected to reinforcingelements 503 (here e.g., welded to rebar). The rebar is shown eitherparallel or perpendicular to the channels 401A. The orientation of thereinforcing elements 503 and the elongated openings 501 of the channels401A is a matter of design choice.

A method of making a structural member may include the following steps.Having provided a form, such as the form 550, opposed margins 414 arepositioned in the form 550. The opposed margins 414 may be positioned inthe form 550 before providing structural material 610 into the form 550.The opposed margins 414 define the elongated opening 401 by theirplacement. The elongated opening 401 is blocked to prevent filling ofthe opening 401 by structural material 610. Non-solid structuralmaterial 610 is then provided into the form 550 and allowed to solidify,harden, cure, etc. If desired, reinforcing elements 503 may bepositioned in the form 550. The opposed margins 414 may be anchored tothe reinforcing elements 503. The opposed margins 414 may be attached toor a part of a channel 410. In other embodiments, the opposed margins414 may be a separate piece attached to another member that forms thechamber 408 when the opposed margins 414 are added. A cap 560 can beused to block an end of the chamber 408. A cover 561 and/or a spacer 565can be used to block the elongated opening 401 of the chamber 408.

The chamber 408 may also be created within the structural material 610after the structural member is formed. For example, if the member ismade of concrete, a portion of the concrete can be removed to create thechamber 408 or to accommodate the channel 410. If securing the channel410 more firmly within the structural material 610 is desired, a fillermaterial bondable with concrete (e.g. an epoxy) can be added before thechannel 410 is positioned in the concrete. Once the channel 410 isplaced within the concrete, the filler material will fill any void spacebetween the channel 410 and the concrete. Other means for securing thechannel 410 to the structure material 610 include anchors, nuts andbolts, rivets, or securing mechanisms (e.g. welding, when the structuralmaterial 610 is metal or includes metal, such as rebar) as previouslydiscussed.

Note that in various embodiments, the holding portions 20 may be freelysubstituted freely for each other along with other appropriatecomponents that work together. Also in various embodiments, theelongated opening 401 is of differing sizes. For example, on oneembodiment, the elongated opening 401 has a length less than two widthsof the holding portion 20D. In another embodiment, the elongated opening401 is substantially the same length as two holding portion 20D widths.In yet another embodiment, the elongated opening 401 has a lengthgreater than two holding portion 20D widths. In still yet anotherembodiment, the elongated opening 401 length is within a range ofapproximately six to approximately twenty widths of the holding portion20D. In other embodiments, the elongated opening 401 length is afraction of the length of the structural member, or the entire length.Further, in various embodiments, different structural members may bemade from different structural materials 610. A given structural membermay be of uniform or non-uniform construction, being made of one or morestructural materials 610.

It is contemplated that the maximum load that may be suspended or heldby one of the fasteners described herein may be calculated in variousembodiments from the tensile strength of the bolt or rod 50 usedtherein. By way of example and not limitation, common structural steelwith a tensile strength of around 60,000 to 75,000 pounds-force persquare inch (PSI) may be used. It is further contemplated that for a rod50 of given diameter, assuming an applied tensile stress of 6,000 PSI,the following loads could be held, including a five-to-one safetyfactor: ¼ inch diameter would hold up to 160 pounds; 1/2 inch diameterwould hold up to 760 pounds; one inch diameter would hold up to 3,300pounds; one and 12 inch diameter would hold up to 7,700 pounds, and 2inch diameter would hold up to 13,800 pounds. Other steel alloys mayhold twice as much at the same size. Plastics, nylons, and othernon-ferrous materials may not hold as much. No experimental tests havebeen made.

The foregoing disclosure and description is intended only to beillustrative and explanatory thereof. To the extent foreseeable, variouschanges in the size, shape, and materials, as well as in the details ofillustrative construction and assembly, may be made without departingfrom the spirit of the invention.

1. A fastening system adapted for use with a structural member, thefastening system comprising: a plurality of opposed margins attachedwith the structural member forming an elongated opening of a chamber;and a fastener comprising a holding portion, wherein the holding portioncomprises: a plurality of elongated members, wherein the plurality ofelongated members are moveable between an insertion position forinsertion through the elongated opening and an extended position forpositioning with the plurality of opposed margins; wherein the holdingportion is positionable in the chamber, and wherein the fastener ismovable along the elongated opening to a plurality of locations relativeto the structural member.
 2. The fastening system of claim 1, whereinthe plurality of opposed margins is anchored with the structural member.3. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of opposedmargins comprises parts of a channel fixed relative to the structuralmember.
 4. The fastening system of claim 3, wherein the channel definesthe chamber.
 5. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein the pluralityof opposed margins and the structural member are fabricated fromdifferent materials.
 6. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein theplurality of opposed margins is fabricated from metal.
 7. The fasteningsystem of claim 1, wherein the structural member is fabricated fromconcrete.
 8. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofopposed margins and the structural member are fabricated from the samematerial.
 9. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofopposed margins is formed with the structural member.
 10. The fasteningsystem of claim 1, wherein the fastener further comprises a rod receivedwith the holding portion, the rod extending out of the elongatedopening.
 11. The fastening system of claim 10, wherein the rod isthreadably received within the holding portion.
 12. The fastening systemof claim 10, further comprising a compression member on the fastener,wherein the compression member moves the plurality of elongated membersto the extended position.
 13. The fastening system of claim 10, whereinthe holding portion further comprises a lip on each of the elongatedmembers.
 14. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein each of theplurality of elongated members comprises a lip; and wherein when theplurality of elongated members are in the extended position, the lips ofat least two of the plurality of elongated members position the fastenerwith the elongated opening.
 15. The fastening system of claim 14,wherein each of the plurality of elongated members further comprises aknob and a profile formed in the elongated member.
 16. The fasteningsystem of claim 15, wherein the profile of a first elongated member ofthe plurality of elongated members is configured to receive the knob ofa second elongated member of the plurality of elongated members foralignment of the first elongated member with the second elongatedmember.
 17. A structural member, comprising: a structural mass; achamber positioned with the structural mass, the chamber comprising anelongated opening; and a plurality of opposed margins defining theelongated opening to the chamber; wherein the elongated opening is sizedto receive a fastener into the chamber, wherein the fastener comprises aholding portion comprising a plurality of elongated members, wherein theplurality of elongated members are moveable between an insertionposition for insertion through the elongated opening and an extendedposition for positioning with the plurality of opposed margins; andwherein the plurality of opposed margins is configured to allow thefastener to slide along the elongated opening to a plurality oflocations relative to the structural member.
 18. The structural memberof claim 17, wherein the plurality of opposed margins is anchored withthe structural mass.
 19. The structural member of claim 17, wherein theplurality of opposed margins is substantially flush with a surface ofthe structural mass.
 20. A holding portion of a fastener, the holdingportion comprising: a plurality of elongated members, each elongatedmember comprising: a recess configured to receive a portion of a nut; aknob and a profile formed on a surface; a bearing surface; and a lipadjacent the bearing surface; wherein the plurality of elongated membersis moveable between an insertion position and an extended position; andwherein the recess restricts a rotation of the nut when the elongatedmembers are in the extended position; and wherein when the plurality ofelongated members is in the extended position, the lips of at least twoof the plurality of elongated members position the holding portion forengagement of the rectangular bearing surfaces with a structural member.21. The holding portion of claim 20, wherein the bearing surfacecomprises a rectangular bearing surface.
 22. The holding portion ofclaim 20, further comprising: a compression member positioned with theplurality of elongated members, wherein the compression member resistsmovement from the extended position to the insertion position.
 23. Theholding portion of claim 22, wherein the knob of a first elongatedmember of the plurality of elongated members engages the profile of asecond elongated member of the plurality of elongated members to resisttranslational motion of the first elongated member relative to thesecond elongated member.
 24. A method for making a structural member,the method comprising: providing a form for shaping a structuralmaterial; positioning a plurality of opposed margins in the form todefine an elongated opening; blocking the elongated opening; andproviding the structural material into the form.
 25. The method of claim24, wherein the structural material is concrete.
 26. The method of claim24, further comprising: positioning a plurality of reinforcing membersin the form; wherein the step of positioning the plurality of opposedmargins comprises anchoring the plurality of opposed margins to thereinforcing members.
 27. The method of claim 24, wherein the step ofpositioning the plurality of opposed margins comprises providing achannel; and wherein the step of blocking the elongated openingcomprises covering the elongated opening of the channel with a cover.28. The method of claim 27, further comprising covering an end of thechannel with a cap.
 29. The method of claim 24, wherein blocking theelongated opening comprises positioning a spacer between the pluralityof opposed margins.
 30. A method for fastening an element to astructural member, the method comprising: positioning a plurality ofopposed margins with the structural member, defining an elongatedopening; positioning a holding portion of a fastener and a portion of arod of the fastener in a chamber of the structural member, wherein theholding portion comprises a plurality of elongated members in anextended position; engaging at least one of the plurality of elongatedmembers of the holding portion with each of the plurality of opposedmargins; and supporting the element with the rod.
 31. The method ofclaim 30, further comprising: reducing an engagement force of theplurality of elongated members of the holding portion with the opposedmargins; sliding the fastener along the elongated opening; andincreasing the engagement force of the plurality of elongated members ofthe holding portion with the opposed margin.
 32. A structure,comprising: a first structural member, comprising: a first chamber,comprising: a first pair of opposed margins, forming a first elongatedopening; a second structural member, comprising: a second chamber,comprising: a second pair of opposed margins, forming a second elongatedopening; a second fastener, the second elongated opening sized toreceive the second fastener; and an element fastened by the firstfastener to the first structural member and fastened by the secondfastener to the second structural member; wherein the first fastener ispositionable to a plurality of locations relative to the first elongatedopening; and wherein the second fastener is positionable to a pluralityof locations relative to the second elongated opening.
 33. The structureof claim 32, wherein the first structural member is a ceiling member andthe second structural member is a wall member.
 34. The structure ofclaim 32, wherein the first structural member is a first wall member andthe second structural member is a second wall member.